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Bien Pulenta

Bien Pulenta is a Tango written by Héctor Varela and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1950. The Tango Bien Pulenta is written by Héctor Varela, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Bien Pulenta with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
“Bien Pulenta,” meaning “Truly Authentic” in English, captures the grit and raw essence of life. This piece, whether tango or song, pulsates with the heartbeat of the streets, reverberating the soulful cries and whispered secrets of everyday existence. Its rhythm tells tales of passion, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those who live unapologetically.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Carlos Waiss

Author

Héctor Varela

Composer

1950/5/5

Date

Alberto Echagüe
Alberto Echagüe
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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Osvaldo Pugliese – Orgullo criollo – 1956/6/21
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Osvaldo Pugliese – Milonguera – 1953/7/14
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Ricardo Tanturi – Me llaman El Zorro – 1942/12/4
Ricardo Tanturi – No me escribas – 1946/7/23
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Ricardo Tanturi – Se casó el pelao – 1958/7/23
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Recommended

These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.

1950/5/5 – Cruz Maidana – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – Bandera baja – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – El internado – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – Canaro en Paris – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – Seguime si podes – Juan D-Arienzo

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Bien Pulenta

This is the translation of the Tango “Bien Pulenta” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Bien Pulenta” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Bien Pulenta

Estoy hecho en el ambiente de muchachos calaveras,
entre guapos y malandras me hice taura pa’ tallar,
me he jugado sin dar pifia en bulines y carpetas,
me enseñaron a ser vivo muchos vivos de verdad.
No me gustan los boliches que las copas charlan mucho
y entre tragos se deschava lo que nunca se pensó.
Yo conozco tantos hombres que eran vivos y eran duchos
y en la cruz de cuatro copas se comieron un garrón.

Yo nunca fui shusheta
de pinta y fulería,
y sé lo que es jugarse
la suerte a una baraja
si tengo un metejón.
Le escapo a ese chamuyo
fulero y confidente
de aquéllos que se sienten
amigos de ocasión.
Yo soy de aquellas horas
que laten dentro ‘el pecho,
de minas seguidoras,
de hombres bien derechos
tallando tras cartón.

Siempre sé tener conducta por más contra que me busquen,
aunque muchos se embalurden que soy punto pa’ currar,
ando chivo con la yuta porque tengo mi rebusque
y me aguanto cualquier copo con las cartas que me dan.
No me gusta avivar giles que después se me hacen contra,
acostumbro escuchar mucho, nunca fui conversador.
Y aprendí desde purrete que el que nace calavera
no se tuerce con la mala, ni tampoco es batidor.

English lyrics of the Tango "Bien Pulenta"

I’ve been shaped in the world of reckless boys,
among toughs and delinquents, I’ve excelled in cutting deals,
I’ve gambled flawlessly in rooms and at the desk,
many true slickers taught me how to be sharp.
I don’t like bars where glasses talk too much
and between sips reveal what was never intended.
I know so many men who were savvy and skilled
but got played at the cross of four glasses.

I’ve never been a fink
of look and deceit,
and I know what it means to risk
one’s fate to a deck of cards
if I’m head over heels.
I avoid that shoddy,
sleazy chitchat
of those who fancy themselves
fair-weather friends.
I am from those times
that beat within the chest,
of loyal women,
of upright men
carving behind the scenes.

I always maintain my composure no matter how much they oppose me,
though many suspect that I am a mark to scam,
I’m wary of the cops because I’ve got my ways
and I withstand any sting with the cards I’m dealt.
I dislike enlightening fools who then turn against me,
I tend to listen a lot; I was never much of a talker.
And I learned since I was a kid that one born a daredevil
doesn’t bend with the bad, nor turns informer.

Bien Pulenta by Carlos Waiss

Bien Pulenta is a Tango written by Carlos Waiss and composed by Héctor Varela.



Story behind the Tango Bien Pulenta

“Bien Pulenta” portrays a vigorous narrative from the lower-depths of Argentine society, reflecting a life woven around toughness, street wisdom, and resilience. The person in the song describes themselves as being raised among cunning and street-smart individuals, learning life’s lessons among gamblers and malandrins (a term used to describe clever rascals in this cultural and social context). The lyrics reveal a past filled with risks, gambling, and navigating life in the arguably unforgiving society of barrios (neighborhoods).



Symbolism of Bien Pulenta

The song uses rich symbolic language to give depth to the narrative. For instance, “No me gustan los boliches que las copas charlan mucho” uses the imagery of chatter in taverns to symbolize gossipy environments where secrets are spilled, suggesting the protagonist’s preference for discretion. Similarly, “Me aguanto cualquier copo con las cartas que me dan” uses the metaphor of enduring any theft or trick with the cards one is dealt, presenting life as a game of poker where one must play skillfully with whatever they have. These phrases enhance the overall meaning of resilience and cleverness to survive and maintain one’s stance in tough social settings.



Bien Pulenta in Historic Context

Recorded in 1950, post-World War II Argentina was characterized by economic fluctuations and a burgeoning urban working class. The tango, emerging primarily from Buenos Aires’ suburbs, often mirrored the gritty life of common people. “Bien Pulenta,” through its discourse and personas, offers a direct view into the porteño lifestyle that is stark, yet vibrant. It exemplifies how tango served not only as entertainment but as a social commentary reflecting the beliefs, struggles, and resilience of the urban proletariat.



Carlos Waiss

Carlos Waiss was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the tango genre, who often encapsulated the vibrant yet challenging life of Buenos Aires in his works.